The Best and Highest-Paying Jobs in Florida (2024)

The highest-paying jobs in Florida are offered across a range of industries, making it possible for professionals in most fields to earn a high salary and attain financial security. Florida is a good place to work for nurse practitioners, health practitioners, business owners, international airline pilots, engineering managers, and more.

Companies in power distribution and business services are hiring in Florida to build a talented workforce. This article discusses the best jobs in Florida and the overall economic outlook in the state. We’ve also included a list of five high-paying jobs with entry-level education requirements as simple as a high school diploma and basic computer skills.

Florida Economic Outlook

Florida thrives with a positive economic outlook and a lower unemployment rate than the national unemployment rate of 3.6 percent. For example, due to the many beaches and resort life, there are 20,530 employment opportunities for lifeguards, ski patrols, and recreational protection workers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida is among the states with the highest employment levels for administration support occupations and recreation occupations.

The Highest-Paying Jobs in Florida

The Best Jobs in Florida: Explained

The largest companies in Florida are actively recruiting. You will be able to flourish in healthcare, aerospace, forestry, and engineering careers. Below are descriptions of the highest-paying jobs in Florida.

1. Anesthesiologist

An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in administering anesthesia to patients during medical procedures. To become an anesthesiologist, professionals must earn a bachelor’s degree, attend and graduate from medical school, and then complete an anesthesiology residency.

2. Obstetrician – Gynecologist

Obstetricians and gynecologists, often called OB-GYNs, are medical doctors who specialize in the medical care of women, female reproductive health, and women during pregnancy. They diagnose and treat women for a range of female-related health concerns such as menopause or cervical or ovarian cancer.

3. Marketing Manager

Marketing managers are in charge of a marketing department whose focus is on developing strategies and campaigns that attract customers to a company’s products or services. Typically, a marketing master’s degree is required for a management position in marketing.

4. Pilot

A commercial pilot not only operates and navigates aircraft, but also assesses the aircraft’s condition including its fuel supply, balance, and weight limit. Further, they monitor communications with traffic control, report issues with aircraft engines, and make flight plans.

If you decide to become a pilot, it will be a fun and high-paying job with lots of international travel. Commercial pilots get training and certifications that cover subjects like airspace, weather, air ambulance, preflight procedures, piloting a fixed-wing aircraft, co*ckpit instruments, and navigating nonscheduled air carrier routes.

5. Financial Manager

A financial manager is a key professional in business and in banking. They liaise with senior managers in determining strategies for a business. They analyze data and report the findings to top executives who use the information to make business decisions. Financial managers must be aware of tax laws and regulations that could impact the company they represent.

6. Flight Engineer

Flight engineers work in the aviation industry and ensure the fully functional state of mechanical equipment for aircraft to avoid issues during flights. They also help develop flight plans with airline pilots. In the flight crew, the job of flight engineers is to continuously monitor aircraft engines and systems. They carry out operational activities such as performance checks and monitoring fuel levels during the flight.

7. Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers use design software and electrical equipment to develop engineering products and solutions. Electrical engineers work with electrical systems in power generation, navigation systems, and automobiles. They have engineering skills and project management skills for career success.

8. Legislative Analyst

A legislative analyst is an elected professional who can enact laws for a living. They have the authority to make new laws and change them by following the legislative processes. They interact with other governing bodies and are part of passing bills. You can become a legislator with a degree in political science.

9. Human Resources Manager

The main duties of a human resources manager are to plan and execute human resources strategies. They have supervisory duties to oversee HR and finance staff. They also maintain department administration with the help of high-level administrative support from executive assistants.

10. Mining Engineer

Mining engineers work in the mining industry taking surveys, planning mining sites, and mineral removal. They interact and work with managers, miners, geoscientists, geological engineers, mining engineers, and metallurgical engineers. They prepare technical reports and documentation of investigations, core samples, and samples during mineral explorations.

Highest-Paying Jobs in Florida Without a Degree

• Sales Manager | $126,960. This role is in charge of leading a sales team, setting sales targets, and aligning with other departments on strategy and fulfillment. No education is required to join a sales team as an entry-level sales associate, and career growth into a management position is based on hitting sales targets and being able to motivate others.
• Air Traffic Controller | $118,820. Air traffic controllers work in the aviation industry and are responsible for organizing and navigating aircraft in an airfield or at airports and ensuring the safe takeoff and landing of these aircraft. No degree is required, though there is extensive on-the-job training for this position.
• Construction Manager | $103,770. A degree is not required to become a construction manager, though it may be the shorter route to landing a job in this role. Construction managers can also excel in this role if they have a lot of work experience in construction.
• Detective | $94,710. To become a detective, applicants must have completed high school. Otherwise, they will receive police training through the agency or department in which they’re applying. Typically, detectives start out as police officers and work their way up to this esteemed position.
• Database Administrator | $93,990. Database administrators have an important job in managing a company’s information systems. Though a degree may be preferred, it is not required to land a job in this role. However, it would be important to develop the necessary skills through a bootcamp.

What Is the Cost of Living in Florida?

The cost of living in Florida is not significantly higher than in the rest of the country. According to an Economics Survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), housing, transportation, and food are relatively lower in Jacksonville, Florida than the overall national expenditures. If you want to live in Miami, you can expect to pay an average of $20,399 for housing, which is less than the national average of $21,043, according to BLS.

Is Florida a Good Place to Work?

Yes, Florida is a good place to work as the business environment of Florida has plenty of opportunities for professionals with advanced college education like logistics managers, nurse practitioners, and guidance counselors. Florida is also among the highest employment providers for jobs without a college degree, which means earning a high salary isn’t just for college-educated professionals.

Highest-Paying Jobs in Florida FAQ